Volvo dials up performance with RWD software update

If you’ve ever wanted your all-wheel-drvie Volvo to feel just a little more sporty, the folks at Polestar have just the answer.

The Swedish brand’s recently spun-off performance arm has been busy rolling out a new software update for Volvo’s all-wheel-drive models that will send more torque to the rear axle.

Happily, the the software update was developed with naught but driving fun in mind, with the brand’s engineers touting the “improved steering, enhanced turn-in and and better control and engagement”, which sounds pretty good to us.

Polestar and Volvo are a little light on detail for now, and are yet to confirm exactly much power will be sent to the rear tyres, but we do know that the upgrade can be activated by selecting the Dynamic drive mode or by witching the traction control off.

“We are always fine-tuning the driving experience of Volvo cars, and this upgrade makes the all-wheel drive both smoother and more dynamic,” says Volvo’s senior vice president of research and development, Henrik Green.

Polestar has been working its wizardry on the current fleet of Volvo product via software upgrades for some time now. This is in fact the sixth area to be focused on, after throttle response, gear shifts, points and holding, and squeezing more power from the engines.

There’s no word yet on when the update might become available in Australia, but it is internationally available on the 90 series, 60 series and the XC40.